Improvement in washing-machines



W. R. REED.

WASHING-MACHINE.

Paiented Jam-4, 1876.

77 btizcsses a W f ow- N. PETERS, PNOYOUTHDGRAPHEH. WASHINGTON. D C

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIGE.

WILLIAM R. REED OF OHILLIOOTHE, MISSOURI.

IMPROVEMENT IN WASHING-MACHINES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 17 1,741, dated January4, 1876; application filed November 13, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM R. REED, of Ohillicothe, Livingston county, Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Washing-Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

My invention has for its object the production of a cheap, durable, and efficient machine. washing the clothes thoroughly and efiectively, and one so simple in construction and operation that any intelligent artisan could make and use the same.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section embodying the elements of the invention. Fig. 2 is an end view.

A represents the box or tub of a washingmachine, inside of which revolves the cylindrical drum B upon the shaft a. The drum B is constructed by placing, at suitable distances on the shaft or axle a, the drum-heads b, the contour of which is a polygon, having the desired number of equal sides, upon which are secured the strips cl, corrugated longitudinally, and placed so as to have narrow spaces between them, through which the water can flow, and which also allows the free circulation of air, thereby preventing the drum from becoming foul. The shaft a is provided with the bearings e 0, attached upon opposite sides of the box or tub A, and on one end with the crank f, by means of which the device is operated. D isan apron or corrugated rubbingsurface, provided at its forward end with the hinged bar i, which is provided with apertures for the reception of the spring-hook m, and is passed up through a slot in the crossbar it, upon which the hook at is secured. The apron D is constructed by securing corrugated strips upon two or more flexible pieces of material, the ends of which apron are provided with non-corrugated strips, the piece on the rear end being provided with an aperture for the reception of the rod t, the ends of which extend beyond the sides of the apron, and rest in the bearings a and the piece on the forward end with a rod similar to that on the rear end, and the ends of which move in the guides m, which afl'ord stability to the corners of the apron.

It will be seen that, by means of the hinged bar '5 and spring-hook m, the apron D can be readily adjusted to suit the thickness of goods to be washed.

The top attachment is placed directly above and centrally with the drum B, the rolls a of which are journaled in the blocks H, which rest upon the upper edge of the tub A, and kept from moving laterally b y the guidebraces I. A downward and yielding pressure is imparted to the top attachment by the employment of the cross-bar L and spiral springs T.

When it is desired to wash heavy clothing, such as carpet, blankets, &c., the apron is taken out and the articles placed into the tub, the top attachment serving to rub them.

When light clothes are to be Washed, both the apron and drum are used.

Whatl claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The combination of the drum B and adjustable apron D, having the hinged bar 41 and hook m, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. The combination of the cross-bar L, rolls a, and springs T, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination of the drum B, apron D, guides m, and cross-bar n, substantially for the purpose specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing improvements in washing'inachines, as above described, I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

WILLIAM R. REED. [L. s.] Witnesses: WM. B. LEACH,

- L. S. BEARGE. 

